Solving a First ODE Using an Integrating Factor

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a first-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) given by \( w' + 2w = 0 \). Participants are exploring different methods to approach the problem, including the use of integrating factors and separation of variables.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants suggest using the method of separation of variables, while others propose the integrating factor approach. There are also attempts to rewrite the equation in a different form to facilitate integration.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, raising questions about the next steps and clarifying their approaches. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of separation of variables, and there is acknowledgment of potential mistakes in the reasoning presented.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the integration steps and the treatment of logarithmic expressions. Participants are also reminded of the importance of adhering to the homework template.

Turion
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$$w'+2w=0\\ \frac { dw }{ dx } =-2w\\ I(x)={ e }^{ 2x }\\ \frac { dw }{ dx } { e }^{ 2x }=-2w{ e }^{ 2x }\\ \int { \frac { dw }{ dx } { e }^{ 2x } } dx=\int { -2w{ e }^{ 2x } } dx$$

Not sure what to do next.
 
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Turion said:
$$w'+2w=0\\ \frac { dw }{ dx } =-2w\\ I(x)={ e }^{ 2x }\\ \frac { dw }{ dx } { e }^{ 2x }=-2w{ e }^{ 2x }\\ \int { \frac { dw }{ dx } { e }^{ 2x } } dx=\int { -2w{ e }^{ 2x } } dx$$

Not sure what to do next.

Starting from dw/dx = -2w, you can use the method of separation, getting w and dw on one side, and x and dx on the other. You don't need an integration factor, since the equation is already separable.

BTW, the homework template is there for a reason. Don't just delete its parts. Fair warning...
 
You should get :

##w' + 2w = 0##
##w'e^{2x} + 2e^{2x}w = 0##

Notice the left hand side of the equation can be written :

##\frac{d}{dx} [e^{2x}w] = 0##

Try integrating now :)
 
This first-order DE is actually the result of a reduction of a second-order DE:

$$y''-y=0\quad \quad \quad \quad \quad { y }_{ 1 }={ e }^{ x }\\ Let\quad { y }_{ 2 }=u(x){ e }^{ x }\\ Sub\quad { y }_{ 2 },\quad { y }_{ 2 }',\quad and\quad { y }_{ 2 }''\quad into\quad the\quad DE\\ { e }^{ x }{ u }''+2{ e }^{ x }u'=0\\ Let\quad w=u'\\ w'+2w=0\\ dw=-2wdx\\ \frac { -1 }{ 2w } dw=dx\\ \int { \frac { -1 }{ 2w } dw } =\int { dx } \\ \frac { -1 }{ 2 } \int { \frac { -1 }{ w } dw } =\int { dx } \\ Ignoring\quad c\quad for\quad now\\ \frac { -1 }{ 2 } ln|w|=x\\ |w|={ e }^{ -2x }\\ |\frac { du }{ dx } |={ e }^{ -2x }$$

I was wondering what I should do to proceed?
 
Turion said:
This first-order DE is actually the result of a reduction of a second-order DE:

$$y''-y=0\quad \quad \quad \quad \quad { y }_{ 1 }={ e }^{ x }\\ Let\quad { y }_{ 2 }=u(x){ e }^{ x }\\ Sub\quad { y }_{ 2 },\quad { y }_{ 2 }',\quad and\quad { y }_{ 2 }''\quad into\quad the\quad DE\\ { e }^{ x }{ u }''+2{ e }^{ x }u'=0\\ Let\quad w=u'\\ w'+2w=0\\ dw=-2wdx\\ \frac { -1 }{ 2w } dw=dx\\ \int { \frac { -1 }{ 2w } dw } =\int { dx } \\ ***\frac { -1 }{ 2 } \int { \frac { -1 }{ w } dw } =\int { dx }*** \\ Ignoring\quad c\quad for\quad now\\ \frac { -1 }{ 2 } ln|w|=x\\ |w|={ e }^{ -2x }\\ |\frac { du }{ dx } |={ e }^{ -2x }$$

I was wondering what I should do to proceed?

I see you took the separating variables route. You made a mistake where I highlighted with ***, there are two negatives when there is only one : ##\frac { -1 }{ 2 } \int { \frac { -1 }{ w } dw } =\int { dx }##

Also, you don't need the absolute value on the logarithm in the line below it.
 

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